Predict whether aqueous solutions of the following...

Predict whether aqueous solutions of the following substances are acidic, basic, or neutral: (a) $\mathrm{AlCl}_{3},(\mathbf{b}) \mathrm{NaBr},$
(c) $\mathrm{NaClO},(\mathbf{d})\left[\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{3}\right] \mathrm{NO}_{3},$
(e) $\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{3}$

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Key Concepts

Metal Cation Hydrolysis

Certain metal cations, particularly those that are small and have high charge densities, can act as Lewis acids by coordinating with water molecules. This interaction often results in the release of hydrogen ions, thereby imparting acidity to the solution.

Spectator Ions

Spectator ions are those that remain inert in aqueous solution because they originate from strong acids or bases. These ions do not undergo hydrolysis and, therefore, do not influence the pH of the solution.

Salt Hydrolysis

When salts dissolve in water, their constituent cations and anions can undergo reactions with water molecules known as hydrolysis. This process can alter the pH of the solution, making it acidic, basic, or neutral, depending on the relative strengths of the acids and bases from which the ions are derived.

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

The ions formed when a salt dissolves are often the conjugate bases of weak acids or the conjugate acids of weak bases. If an ion is a weak conjugate base, it tends to make the solution acidic by reacting with water to produce hydronium ions; conversely, a weak conjugate acid can make the solution basic by generating hydroxide ions.

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